Dog toothpaste 'essential' for good pet health

Tuesday, 11th January 2011

Dog owners have been urged to clean their pet's teeth regularly in order to prevent diseases.

Industry information body the American Kennel Club (AKC) has underlined the importance of good dental hygiene in dogs as it could lead to health problems.

A spokesman for the body told the Sun Herald: "Brush your dog's teeth regularly and be sure to use canine toothpaste since human toothpaste can upset a dog's stomach."

The AKC claimed that persistent bad breath, known as halitosis, could be a symptom of an issue in the dog's gastrointestinal tract, liver, or kidneys.

"Provide your dog with hard, safe chew toys. His teeth also get cleaned by the natural process of chewing," the spokesman told the news provider.

Should bad breath continue after the use of canine toothpaste and chew toys, pet owners should visit their local vet to determine the underlying cause of the issue, the AKC added.